Macon voters overwhelmingly approve SPLOST

Macon voters overwhelmingly approved a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax that will raise $450 million for public projects related to public safety, recreation, road paving, private sector growth and economic development.

More than 5,180 people voted in favor of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, and 1,058 voted against it. 

All told, only 6,250 people voted, representing 6% of the 120,000 registered voters in the county. The SPLOST referendum was the lone ballot item.

Elections in Bibb County typically cost about $400,000, Macon-Bibb County Elections Supervisor Tom Gillon said, but this one cost about $300,000. All 31 polling places were open on Election Day. 

The last time Bibb County voters approved a SPLOST was in November 2016, when the hotly-contested presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was also on the ballot. A little more than 56,900 people voted in that election, and the SPLOST passed with 61% of voter’s approval. The number of registered voters at the time was about 80,000, Gillon said. 

The SPLOST voters approved in November 2016 took effect in April 2018 and is anticipated to sunset in September. The 2025 SPLOST voters approved Tuesday will take effect in October. 

Mayor Lester Miller posted on Facebook after the results were tallied Tuesday.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Macon Bibb, as we received a mandate from voters regarding our upcoming SPLOST,” Miller said. “We extend our gratitude to everyone who has placed their trust in our leadership, enabling us to implement initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our community. I can feel the asphalt trucks heating up to tackle some of our roads that have been neglected for a long time! Sit back, and enjoy the ride while we GO BIG in Macon!”

Promotion of the SPLOST was mostly funded by the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, a local authority created by an act of the General Assembly in 1962. Miller serves on its board. 

The Industrial Authority contributed $50,000 to an independent committee called “Go Big for Macon-Bibb” that registered with the state in January. The committee also raised another $25,000 from construction companies and private businesses.